Identifying industry segments with highest potential for new customers or new spending for current customers

ABSTRACT

A method and system are used to identify industry segments with highest potential for new customers or new spending for current customers. This includes receiving data, segregated into each of a plurality of industries, relating to a number of small businesses, cost of goods sold for each of the small businesses, and percentage of cost of goods sold that is spent on raw materials and inventory for each of the small businesses. Capturing data, segregated into each of the plurality of industries, relating to average amount charged per current card member, percentage of the current card members charging the raw materials and the inventory, percentage of card member penetration, and total estimated charging for the current card members. Determining which of the plurality of industries or segments of the plurality of the industries are available for a highest potential for new card members or that are available for a greatest amount of incremental increased charging by the current card members. Communicating with the current card members in each of the plurality of industries or segments and receiving data therefrom based on one or more of the previous steps. Communicating with internal and external sources to capture additional industry-specific charging data. Receiving data relating to industry reports and census data. Generating ranked data sets based on the previous steps.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of and claims priority to, andthe benefit of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/636,980, entitled“IDENTIFYING INDUSTRY SEGMENTS WITH HIGHEST POTENTIAL FOR NEW CUSTOMERSOR NEW SPENDING FOR CURRENT CUSTOMERS” filed on Dec. 12, 2006, which ishereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a system, method, and computerprogram product for identifying industry segments with highest potentialfor new customers or new spending for current customers.

2. Related Art

Card issuing companies increase their revenues through acquisition ofnew card members or when card members increase their spending. Benefitsfrom using the card, e.g., reward points and the like, are one way cardissuing companies try to entice card members to increase their spending.However, in a slow economic market, it's harder to use rewards as anonly motivation to entice a card member to increase their spending orgain new card members.

Currently, many card issuing companies perform only incoming customerservice functions, including receiving of communications from cardmembers. In some instances, data from these communications is compiledand stored in one or more databases or other storage systems. However,the card issuing companies cannot effectively compile enough data todetermine if a card member is using their spending capacity and/orutilizing the benefits of being a card member through only doing datacompilation of incoming communications. This is because with suchlimited data, many of the card issuing companies lack the tools andtechnology to perform adequate spend diagnostics regarding current cardmembers. The card issuing companies also typically lack any tools thatwould allow effective and efficient management of their communicationswith the card members, e.g. historical and/or individual data on eachcard member. Thus, during communications with the card members, becauseof the lack of specific information the card issuing companies cannotknow if they should or could entice the card members to increase theirspending or change their spending habits. Thus, because of the lack oftechnology or tools, most of the card issuing companies do notadequately and efficiently communicate with their card members, allowingtheir card members to remain ignorant of the full optimization of theirtransaction cards and spend capacity.

Also, currently there are few if any methodologies to determine bestpotential growth industries in which to solicit new card members.

Given the foregoing, what is needed is a system and a method foridentifying industry segments with highest potential for new customersor new spending for current customers.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method ofidentifying industry segments with the highest potential for newcustomers or new spending for current customers. This includes receivingdata, segregated into each of a plurality of industries, relating to anumber of small businesses, cost of goods sold for each of the smallbusinesses, and percentage of cost of goods sold that is spent on rawmaterials and inventory. Capturing data, segregated into each of theplurality of industries, relating to average amount charged per currentcard member, percentage of the current card members charging the rawmaterials and the inventory, percentage of card member penetration, andtotal estimated charging for the current card members. Determining whichof the plurality of industries or segments of the plurality of theindustries are available for a highest potential for new card members orthat are available for a greatest amount of incremental increasedcharging by the current card members. Communicating with the currentcard members in each of the plurality of industries or segments andreceiving data therefrom based on one or more of the previous steps.Communicating with internal and external sources to capture additionalindustry-specific charging data. Generating ranked data sets based onthe previous steps.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a system ofidentifying industry segments with highest potential for new customersor new spending for current customers. The system includes a database, acommunications device, and a controller. The database includes (a) afirst set of data, segregated into each of a plurality of industries,relating to a number of small businesses, cost of goods sold, andpercentage of cost of goods sold that is spent on raw materials andinventory and (b) a second set of data, segregated into each of theplurality of industries, relating to average amount charged per currentcard member, percentage of the current card members charging the rawmaterials and the inventory, percentage of card member penetration, andtotal estimated charging for the current card members. Thecommunications device is configured to (a) communicate with the currentcard members in each of the plurality of industries or segments andreceive data therefrom and (b) communicate with external sources tocapture additional industry-specific charging data. The controller isconfigured to, based on the data in the database and the data capturedby the communications device, (a) determine which of the plurality ofindustries or segments of the plurality of the industries are availablefor a highest potential for new card members or that are available for agreatest amount of incremental increased charging by the current cardmembers based on the first and second set of data and (b) generateranked data sets.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, there is provided acomputer program product comprising a computer useable medium having acomputer program logic recorded thereon for controlling at least oneprocessor, the computer program logic comprising computer program codedevices that perform operations similar to the devices and methods inthe above embodiments.

Further features and advantages of the present invention as well as thestructure and operation of various embodiments of the present inventionare described in detail below with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken inconjunction with the drawings. The left-most digit of a reference numbermay identify the drawing in which the reference number first appears.Similar reference numbers may indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows a system.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary overall method.

FIG. 3 shows details of a step in the method of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 4A-4F show exemplary quantitative outputs from an external dataanalysis.

FIG. 5 shows details of another step in the method of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 6A-6H show exemplary quantitative outputs from an internal dataanalysis.

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary chart including final data rankings.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart depicting another exemplary overall method.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of an exemplary computer system for use withthe system and method of this invention.

DESCRIPTION

While specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, it shouldbe understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A personskilled in the pertinent art will recognize that other configurationsand arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scopeof the present invention. It will be apparent to a person skilled in thepertinent art that this invention can also be employed in a variety ofother applications.

This specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporatethe features of this invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merelyexemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited tothe disclosed embodiment(s). The invention is defined by the claimsappended hereto.

The embodiment(s) described, and references in the specification to “oneembodiment”, “an embodiment”, “an example embodiment”, etc., indicatethat the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature,structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarilyinclude the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic isdescribed in connection with an embodiment, it is understood that it iswithin the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature,structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodimentswhether or not explicitly described.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware, firmware,software, or any combination thereof. Embodiments of the invention mayalso be implemented as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium,which may be read and executed by one or more processors. Amachine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing ortransmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., acomputing device). For example, a machine-readable medium may includeread only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic diskstorage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; electrical,optical, acoustical or other forms of propagated signals (e.g., carrierwaves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), and others. Further,firmware, software, routines, instructions may be described herein asperforming certain actions. However, it should be appreciated that suchdescriptions are merely for convenience and that such actions in factresult from computing devices, processors, controllers, or other devicesexecuting the firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc.

The term “merchant” as used herein means any person, entity, distributorsystem, software, and/or hardware that is a provider, broker, and/or anyother entity in the distribution chain of goods or services. Forexample, a merchant may be a credit card issuer, a hotel chain, anairline, a grocery store, a retail store, a travel agency, a serviceprovider, including, but not limited to, a medical service provider, anonline merchant, or the like.

A “transaction account” as used herein refers to an account associatedwith an open account card or a closed account card system (as describedbelow). The transaction account may exist in a physical or non-physicalembodiment. For example, a transaction account may be distributed innon-physical embodiments such as an account number, frequent-flyeraccount, and telephone calling account or the like. Furthermore, aphysical embodiment of a transaction account may be distributed as afinancial instrument.

“Open cards” are financial transaction cards that are generally acceptedat different merchants. Examples of open cards include the AmericanExpress®, Visa®, MasterCard® and Discover® cards, which may be used atmany different retailers and other businesses. In contrast, “closedcards” are financial transaction cards that may be restricted to use ina particular store, a particular chain of stores or a collection ofaffiliated stores. One example of a closed card is a card that may onlybe accepted at a clothing retailer, such as a Saks Fifth Avenue® store.

The term “transaction instrument” as used herein may include any type ofopen or closed charge card, credit card, debit card, FSA card, storedvalue card, an RFID chip based card or token, and the like. Forconvenience, a transaction instrument may be referred to as a “card.”

An “account,” “account number” or “account code”, as used herein, mayinclude any device, code, number, letter, symbol, digital certificate,smart chip, digital signal, analog signal, biometric or otheridentifier/indicia suitably configured to allow a consumer to access,interact with or communicate with a financial transaction system. Theaccount number may optionally be located on or associated with anyfinancial transaction instrument (e.g., rewards, charge, credit, debit,prepaid, telephone, embossed, smart, magnetic stripe, bar code,transponder, and radio frequency card or payment statement).

An “issuer” or “card issuing company” issues transaction instruments,(e.g., credit cards, charge cards, debit cards, etc.). Examples ofIssuers may be Bank of America, Citigroup, American Express, CapitalOne, etc.

Persons skilled in the relevant arts will understand the breadth of theterms used herein and that the exemplary descriptions provided are notintended to be limiting of the generally understood meanings attributedto the foregoing terms.

The following embodiments describe a system and a method for identifyingindustry segments with highest potential for new customers or newspending for current customers according to various embodiments andexamples of the present invention. The methodology is the first of itskind, allowing a charge and credit card issuer (such as AmericanExpress) to efficiently identify potentially profitable industrysegments to pursue for acquisition and usage and/or increased spendingby current card members.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a system 100. System 100includes a database 102, a controller 104, a communications system 106,an output device 108, and card member storage 114. Database 102,controller 104, output device 108, and card member information storage114 can be considered a computer system 120 (shown inside the dashedlines) including one or more personal computers, servers, and the like.These elements can be associated with an issuer or card issuing company,i.e., they can be remotely or locally coupled to the company's systems.Communications system 106 and/or controller 104 are coupled to one ormore card members 110, external sources 116, and/or external contacts118, possibly via an optional network 112.

Output device 108 can be any device allowing for visual output, such asa monitor, a graphical user interface, a handheld device, a printer, orthe like.

External resources 116 can be any commercial or governmental database orany website that allows purchasing, accessing, and/or downloading ofinformation. This information can be related to what industriesdifferent companies are categorized in and/or spending habits of theseindustries or companies. For example, this information can be related totheir revenues, expenses (cost of goods sold (COGS)), amount of spendingon raw materials and inventory, or the like. Example external sourcescan be, but are not limited too, the U.S. Census, Dun and Bradstreet,and/or Almanac of Business and Industrial Financial Data. Similarly,external contacts 118 can be industry experts, small businessorganizations, Lexis-Nexis, Forrester, Mintel, Dun and Bradstreet,BizStats, and/or Almanac of Business and Industrial Financial Data,industry reports, census data, etc.

Network 112 can be a wired or wireless telecommunications or datanetwork, such as a cellular network, a hard-wired or optical telephonenetwork, a satellite network, an Internet, Intranet, or Extranetnetwork, or other similar networks, as would be apparent to a skilledartisan upon reading and understanding this description. Additionally,or alternatively, network 112 can be a domestic and/or internationalpostal or courier network.

Database 102 can receive information from one or all of external sources116, external contacts 118, and internal sources, e.g., card memberstorage 114, relating to card member and/or merchant information. Forexample, database 102 can include information from a purchasedcommercial database, e.g., Dun and Bradstreet financial information.Also, database 102 can include information relating to demographic,financial and other information submitted during enrollment of the cardmembers 110, or information that has been collected from the cardmembers 110 via communications system 106 or at other times. Database102 can further include information relating to merchants that acceptthe card issuing company's transaction card for transactions. Database102 can be any one of a variety of different types of databasesoperating based on a variety of underlying applications. For example,database 102 can be a database associated with MICROSOFT ACCESS® or thelike.

Controller 104 can be one or more microprocessors or operating systemswith associated applications (software applications), such as one ormore computer systems. The functions performed by controller 104 can beperformed by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. Forexample, controller 104 can filter or process data from database 102and/or from communications system 106.

Communications system 106 can be one of several types of devices, suchas a computer system, a telephone, a facsimile machine, a handhelddevice, a system to generate and read direct mail, atransmitter/receiver system, or the like. In regards to direct mail, anindividualized report for each card member can be generated and send outwith their bill monthly, quarterly, annually, or any other time perioddesignated by a customer or the card issuing company. Thus,communications system 106 can be any device that allows forcommunications (e.g., telephone calls, emails, instant messaging,facsimiles, direct mailings, etc.) between controller 104 and cardmembers 110, possibly via network 112. Communication with card members110 can be used to compile information regarding how card members 110use or do not use their cards. Communications system 106 can also beused to access external resources 116 and external contacts 118. Thiscan be used to determine how these resources believe potential cardmembers (e.g., per industry or industry sector companies) do or willspend. Then, based on all this information, a best opportunity for spendgrowth can be determined by the card issuing company for each cardmember 110 or best opportunities for potential new businesses in variousindustry segments.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart depicting a method 200. Method 200 is anoverview of how to determine which existing or current card members 110may have the greatest incremental increase in spend potential and/or fordetermining what industries, or segments of the industries, have thebest opportunity to find potential new card members.

In step 210, external data is input into a database. External data canbe data regarding industries and industry segments having spendingprofiles allowing for the best opportunities for potential new cardmembers. This could also be thought of a general data gathering.External market scanning can be done through inputting data into a modelto validate spend potential and segment alignment with design target.This can be considered a first data set.

In step 220, internal data is input into the database. Internal data canbe data regarding current card members and current merchants. Internalmarket scanning can be done through data input into a model to evaluatepotential charging opportunity for current card member spend behavior.This can be considered a second data set.

Thus, these first two steps may be thought of as external and internalmarket scans to generate the first and second data sets.

In step 230, results from steps 210 and 220 are validated. For example,this can be done through communicating with internal sources, e.g.,current card members identified by the results, or communicating withexternal sources, e.g. external source and contacts, such as experts,consultants, and external reporting companies and agencies. This can bedone to actually determine which areas or companies have favorability ofcharging or the highest ability to adopt charging as a way to spend. Forexample, while some industries or segments may appear to have a highpotential, the vendors may not allow discounts if the spending is donethrough charging and not cash. As another example, the expenses may justbe too great for charging to be a viable option, for example when rawmaterials or inventory is in the tens of millions.

In step 240, targets for follow up communications are determined fromthe data gathered in the preceding steps. For example, output from steps210, 220, and 230 is compiled and analyzed to focus on specific segmentopportunities to pursue. Thus, after step 240 a card issuing company canpursue opportunities highlighted by methodology utilizing targetedmarketing tactics.

FIG. 3 shows a flowchart depicting in detail steps occurring during step210. In step 311, information regarding small businesses is input, forexample a number of the small businesses. This can be done generally forall businesses, per industry, or per segment in different industries. Anindustry could be contracting or construction, with segments beingpainters, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, etc. or professionals,with segments being doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, etc. Instep 313, information regarding specific or average cost of goods sold(COGS) for the small business, either generally, per industry, or perindustry segment, is input. In step 315, information regarding apercentage of COGS spent on raw material and inventory for the smallbusiness, either generally, per industry, or per industry segment, isinput. This may be because the companies having the highest amount oftheir expenses in this category are the most desirable companies topursue as new card members. In step 317, quantitative output isgenerated from the data gathered in the previous steps. In step 319,external data ranked sets are generated. It is to be appreciated thatother variables, either in addition to or in replace of these discussedvariables, could also be used before step 317 is performed.

In one example, each of the input criteria also includes a weighted rankcompared to the other input criteria. Thus, they are not all equal indetermining what the best opportunities to pursue are. Also, certainminimum threshold amounts for one or more of these variables may have tobe met for the company, industry, or industry segment to be included inthe ranked data.

FIGS. 4A to 4F show an exemplary quantitative output for variousindustry segments generated for exemplary data from method 300 at step317. For example, the groupings can be partially based on or segregatedby standard industry codes established by the U.S. Census. This can beused to show what industries, segments of those industries, andcompanies within those segments that have the most desirable traits, sothat they are pursued as new card members.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart depicting in detail steps occurring during step220. In step 521, an average amount charged per current card member isinput. In step 522, a percentage current card members are spending onraw materials and inventory is input. In step 523, a percentage ofpenetration the card issuing company has regarding a number of cardmembers in a given industry or industry segment is input. Percentage ofpenetration can mean the number card members of the card issuing companyin an industry divided by the total number of companies in thatindustry. In step 524, a total estimated amount charged for eachcompany, industry or industry segment is input. This can be used tofurther segregate companies, for example a high value business may have$30,000.00 of total spending, while a very high value business has$100,000.00 of total spending. In step 525, a quantitative output basedon the previous steps is generated. In step 526, internal data rankeddata sets are generated. It is to be appreciated that other variables,either in addition to or in replace of these discussed variables, couldalso be used before step 525 is performed.

In one example, each of the input criteria also includes a weighted rankcompared to the other input criteria. Thus, they are not all equal indetermining what the best opportunities to pursue are. Also, certainminimum threshold amounts for one or more of these variables may have tobe met for the company, industry, or industry segment to be included inthe ranked data.

Similar to FIGS. 4A to 4F, FIGS. 6A to 6H show an exemplary quantitativeoutput for various industry segments generated for exemplary data frommethod 500 at step 525.

FIG. 7 shows a chart 700 including a final ranking of data setsdetermined after step 230. Thus, chart 700 takes into account rankeddata sets generated from steps 319 and 526. Chart 700 shows segmentshaving the greatest opportunity for charge growth. For example, each ofcategories external, internal, and qualitative is assigned a symbolicresult of very high, high, medium, medium/low, low, or very low. Thesymbolic results for the three categories of each segment of eachindustry are averaged together to determine a summary symbolic result.Then, these summary symbolic results are ranked, as shown. Thus, thesegments having the highest summary symbolic results are identified ashaving a highest potential.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart depicting a method 800. Method 800 is anotherexemplary method to determine which existing or current card members 110may have the greatest incremental increase in spend potential and/or fordetermining what industries, or segments of the industries, have thebest opportunity to find potential new card members. In step 802, datais received that is segregated into each of a plurality of industries,relating to a number of small businesses, cost of goods sold for each ofthe small businesses, and percentage of cost of goods sold that is spenton raw materials and inventory for each of the small businesses. In step804, data is captured that is segregated into each of the plurality ofindustries, relating to average amount charged per current card member,percentage of the current card members charging the raw materials andthe inventory, percentage of card member penetration, and totalestimated charging for the current card members. In step 806, which ofthe plurality of industries or segments of the plurality of theindustries are available for a highest potential for new card members orthat are available for a greatest amount of incremental increasedcharging by the current card members is determined. In step 808, thecurrent card members in each of the plurality of industries or segmentsdetermined from the previous steps are communicated with, and datarelating to their feedback is received therefrom. In step 810, internaland external sources are communicated with to capture additionalindustry-specific charging data. This can be used to validate whetherfor the focused on companies, industries, or segments, both current cardholders and potential new card holders, would really be interested inincreasing their charging for certain types of expenses. For example,data relating to industry reports and census data is received. In step812, ranked data sets, or final ranked data sets, are generated based oninformation gathered and analyzed in the previous steps.

Therefore, the embodiments discussed above elegantly and effectivelyhighlight high-potential opportunities, while at the same timedetermining the behavior of purchasers making it infinitely easier tomarket to specific purchasing groups, highlighting their “pain” points,and how an issuer can help them. The issuer is able to efficiently (bothcost and time) identify and prioritize segments in a holistic manner,accounting for internal and external factors, as well as qualitativeinsights. Previously, this process was completed in a one-off fashion,without the ability to compare opportunities across a number ofdimensions. The above processes allow for a faster and more effectivecapability to search for, identify, and prioritize spend and acquisitionopportunities in select industries and/or industry segments. This cansave the issuer both time and resources given that fewer people willneed to be devoted to the process and those who are will be able tocomplete the process more quickly.

In one embodiment, the invention is directed toward one or more computersystems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein. Anexample of a computer system 900 capable of carrying out the functionsof this invention is shown in FIG. 9.

Computer system 900 includes one or more processors, such as processor904. Processor 904 is connected to a communication infrastructure 906(e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Varioussoftware embodiments are described in terms of this exemplary computersystem. After reading this description, it will become apparent to aperson skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the inventionusing other computer systems and/or architectures.

Computer system 900 can include a display interface 902 that forwardsgraphics, text, and other data from communication infrastructure 906 (orfrom a frame buffer not shown) for display on display unit 916.

Computer system 900 also includes a main memory 908, preferably randomaccess memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory 910.Secondary memory 910 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 912and/or a removable storage drive 914, representing a floppy disk drive,a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. Removable storagedrive 914 reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit 918 in awell known manner. Removable storage unit 918 represents a floppy disk,magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which is read by and written to byremovable storage drive 914. As will be appreciated, removable storageunit 918 includes a computer usable storage medium having stored thereincomputer software and/or data.

In alternative embodiments, secondary memory 910 may include othersimilar devices for allowing computer programs or other instructions tobe loaded into computer system 900. Such devices may include, forexample, a removable storage unit 922 and an interface 920. Examples ofsuch may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such asthat found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as anerasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable readonly memory (PROM)) and associated socket, and other removable storageunits 922 and interfaces 920, which allow software and data to betransferred from removable storage unit 922 to computer system 900.

Computer system 900 may also include a communications interface 924.Communications interface 924 allows software and data to be transferredbetween computer system 900 and external devices. Examples ofcommunications interface 924 may include a modem, a network interface(such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal ComputerMemory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc.Software and data transferred via communications interface 924 are inthe form of signals 928 which may be electronic, electromagnetic,optical or other signals capable of being received by communicationsinterface 924. These signals 928 are provided to communicationsinterface 924 via a communications path (e.g., channel) 926. Thischannel 926 carries signals 928 and may be implemented using wire orcable, fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, an radiofrequency (RF) link and other communications channels.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computerusable medium” are used to generally refer to media such as removablestorage drive 914, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive 912, andsignals 928. These computer program products provide software tocomputer system 900. The invention is directed to such computer programproducts.

Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) arestored in main memory 908 and/or secondary memory 910. Computer programsmay also be received via communications interface 924. Such computerprograms, when executed, enable computer system 900 to perform thefeatures of the present invention, as discussed herein. In particular,the computer programs, when executed, enable processor 904 to performthe features of the present invention. Accordingly, such computerprograms represent controllers of computer system 900.

In an embodiment where the invention is implemented using software, thesoftware may be stored in a computer program product and loaded intocomputer system 900 using removable storage drive 914, hard drive 912 orcommunications interface 924. The control logic (software), whenexecuted by processor 904, causes processor 904 to perform the functionsof the invention as described herein.

In another embodiment, the invention is implemented primarily inhardware using, for example, hardware components such as applicationspecific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of the hardwarestate machine so as to perform the functions described herein will beapparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

In yet another embodiment, the invention is implemented using acombination of both hardware and software.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedabove, it should be understood that they have been presented by way ofexample, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled inthe relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention (e.g., packaging and activation of other transaction cardsand/or use of batch activation processes). Thus, the present inventionshould not be limited by any of the above described exemplaryembodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the followingclaims and their equivalents.

In addition, it should be understood that the figures illustrated in theattachments, which highlight the functionality and advantages of thepresent invention, are presented for example purposes only. Thearchitecture of the present invention is sufficiently flexible andconfigurable, such that it may be utilized (and navigated) in ways otherthan that shown in the accompanying figures.

Further, the purpose of the following Abstract is to enable the U.S.Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially thescientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiarwith patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from acursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure ofthe application. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to thescope of the present invention in any way.

1. A method comprising: generating, by a computer-based system fordetermining desired industry segments, a first ranking of an industrysegment based upon a first data set, wherein the first data set relatesto a group of merchants in an industry segment, and wherein the firstdata set includes at least one of: a cost of goods sold associated withat least a subset of the merchants within the industry segment, a numberof the merchants associated with the industry segment, and a rawmaterials and inventory cost of goods sold associated with at least thesubset of the merchants within the industry segment, and wherein each ofthe data in the first data set is weighted; generating, by thecomputer-based system, a second ranking of the industry segment basedupon a second data set, wherein the second data set relates to a groupof merchant account holders in the industry segment, and wherein thesecond data set includes at least one of: an average amount of spendingfor the merchant account holders within the industry segment, apercentage of merchant account holders actively spending on rawmaterials and inventory in the industry segment, a merchant accountholder penetration in the industry segment, and a total estimated amountof spending for transaction accounts in the industry segment, andwherein each of the data in the second data set is weighted; generating,by the computer-based system, a third ranking of the industry segmentbased upon a third data set, wherein the third data set relates to thegroup of merchants in the industry segment, wherein the third data setincludes data acquired through at least one of interviews with industryexperts, interviews with business owners, data associated with industryreports and census data; combining, by the computer-based system, thefirst ranking, the second ranking, and the third ranking to generate acombined ranking; and determining, by the computer-based system andbased upon the combined ranking, at least one of: that the industrysegment is available for an increase in charging by the group ofmerchant account holders and a potential for new account holders in theindustry segment.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising repeatingthe method for groups of merchants and merchant account holders in adifferent industry segment, the method yielding a different combinedranking related to the different industry segment, the differentcombined ranking enabling evaluation of the different industry segmentto determine at least one of: that the different industry segment isavailable for an increase in charging by the group of merchant accountholders and a potential for new account holders in the differentindustry segment.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising comparingthe combined ranking and the different combined ranking to determinewhich of the industry segment and the different industry segmentrepresents a more desirable marketing opportunity.
 4. The method ofclaim 3, wherein the number of merchants associated with the differentindustry segment receives a weighting of two (2), the cost of goods soldassociated with at least a subset of the merchants within the differentindustry segment receives a weighting of five (5), and the raw materialsand inventory cost of goods sold associated with at least the subset ofthe merchants within the different industry segment receives a weightingof three (3).
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the average amount ofspending for the merchant account holders within the different industrysegment receives a weighting of two (2), the percentage of merchantaccount holders actively spending on raw materials and inventory in thedifferent industry segment receives a weighting of three (3), themerchant account holder penetration in the different industry segmentreceives a weighting of one (1), and the total estimated amount ofspending for transaction accounts in the different industry segmentreceives a weighting of four (4).
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein eachof the first ranking, the second ranking, the third ranking, and thecombined ranking are one of: very high, high, medium, medium/low, low,and very low.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the number of merchantsassociated with the industry segment receives a weighting of two (2),the cost of goods sold associated with at least a subset of themerchants within the industry segment receives a weighting of five (5),and the raw materials and inventory cost of goods sold associated withat least the subset of the merchants within the industry segmentreceives a weighting of three (3).
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein theaverage amount of spending for the merchant account holders within theindustry segment receives a weighting of two (2), the percentage ofmerchant account holders actively spending on raw materials andinventory in the industry segment receives a weighting of three (3), themerchant account holder penetration in the industry segment receives aweighting of one (1), and the total estimated amount of spending fortransaction accounts in the industry segment receives a weighting offour (4).
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the first ranking,the second ranking, the third ranking, and the combined ranking are oneof: very high, high, medium, medium/low, low, and very low.
 10. Themethod of claim 1, wherein data acquired through interviews withindustry experts and business owners is acquired through at least oneof: instant messaging, emailing, telephoning, faxing, and directmailing.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the industry segment isclassified using a Standard Industry Classification (SIC) code.
 12. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first data set is received from at leastone of: Dun and Bradstreet, U.S. Census, or Almanac of Business andIndustrial Financial Data.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the seconddata set comprises proprietary merchant account holder data.
 14. Themethod of claim 1, wherein data associated with industry reportscomprise data from at least one of: Lexis-Nexis, Forrester, Mintel, Dunand Bradstreet, BizStats, Almanac of Businesses and Industrial FinancialData, and census data.
 15. An article of manufacture including anon-transitory, tangible computer readable medium having instructionsstored thereon that, in response to execution by a computer-based systemfor determining desired industry segments, cause the computer-basedsystem to perform operations comprising: generating, by thecomputer-based system, a first ranking of an industry segment based upona first data set, wherein the first data set relates to a group ofmerchants in an industry segment, and wherein the first data setincludes at least one of: a cost of goods sold associated with at leasta subset of the merchants within the industry segment, a number of themerchants associated with the industry segment, and a raw materials andinventory cost of goods sold associated with at least the subset of themerchants within the industry segment, and wherein each of the data inthe first data set is weighted; generating, by the computer-basedsystem, a second ranking of the industry segment based upon a seconddata set, wherein the second data set relates to a group of merchantaccount holders in the industry segment, and wherein the second data setincludes at least one of: an average amount of spending for the merchantaccount holders within the industry segment, a percentage of merchantaccount holders actively spending on raw materials and inventory in theindustry segment, a merchant account holder penetration in the industrysegment, and a total estimated amount of spending for transactionaccounts in the industry segment, and wherein each of the data in thesecond data set is weighted; generating, by the computer-based system, athird ranking of the industry segment based upon a third data set,wherein the third data set relates to the group of merchants in theindustry segment, wherein the third data set includes data acquiredthrough at least one of interviews with industry experts, interviewswith business owners, data associated with industry reports and censusdata; combining, by the computer-based system, the first ranking, thesecond ranking, and the third ranking to generate a combined ranking;and determining, by the computer-based system and based upon thecombined ranking, at least one of: that the industry segment isavailable for an increase in charging by the group of merchant accountholders and a potential for new account holders in the industry segment.16. A system comprising: a tangible, non-transitory memory communicatingwith a processor for determining desired industry segments, thetangible, non-transitory memory having instructions stored thereon that,in response to execution by the processor, cause the processor toperform operations comprising: generating, by the processor, a firstranking of an industry segment based upon a first data set, wherein thefirst data set relates to a group of merchants in an industry segment,and wherein the first data set includes at least one of: a cost of goodssold associated with at least a subset of the merchants within theindustry segment, a number of the merchants associated with the industrysegment, and a raw materials and inventory cost of goods sold associatedwith at least the subset of the merchants within the industry segment,and wherein each of the data in the first data set is weighted;generating, by the processor, a second ranking of the industry segmentbased upon a second data set, wherein the second data set relates to agroup of merchant account holders in the industry segment, and whereinthe second data set includes at least one of: an average amount ofspending for the merchant account holders within the industry segment, apercentage of merchant account holders actively spending on rawmaterials and inventory in the industry segment, a merchant accountholder penetration in the industry segment, and a total estimated amountof spending for transaction accounts in the industry segment, andwherein each of the data in the second data set is weighted; generating,by the processor, a third ranking of the industry segment based upon athird data set, wherein the third data set relates to the group ofmerchants in the industry segment, wherein the third data set includesdata acquired through at least one of interviews with industry experts,interviews with business owners, data associated with industry reportsand census data; combining, by the processor, the first ranking, thesecond ranking, and the third ranking to generate a combined ranking;and determining, by the processor and based upon the combined ranking,at least one of: that the industry segment is available for an increasein charging by the group of merchant account holders and a potential fornew account holders in the industry segment.
 17. The system of claim 16,further comprising repeating the operations for groups of merchants andmerchant account holders in a different industry segment, the operationsyielding a different combined ranking related to the different industrysegment, the different combined ranking enabling evaluation of thedifferent industry segment to determine at least one of: that thedifferent industry segment is available for an increase in charging bythe group of merchant account holders and a potential for new accountholders in the different industry segment.
 18. The system of claim 17,further comprising comparing the combined ranking and the differentcombined ranking to determine which of the industry segment and thedifferent industry segment represents a more desirable marketingopportunity.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the number of merchantsassociated with the different industry segment receives a weighting oftwo (2), the cost of goods sold associated with at least a subset of themerchants within the different industry segment receives a weighting offive (5), and the raw materials and inventory cost of goods soldassociated with at least the subset of the merchants within thedifferent industry segment receives a weighting of three (3).
 20. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein the average amount of spending for themerchant account holders within the different industry segment receivesa weighting of two (2), the percentage of merchant account holdersactively spending on raw materials and inventory in the differentindustry segment receives a weighting of three (3), the merchant accountholder penetration in the different industry segment receives aweighting of one (1), and the total estimated amount of spending fortransaction accounts in the different industry segment receives aweighting of four (4).